Ruben Neves asserts that he was in advanced negotiations with Arsenal during the previous summer transfer window, ultimately opting for a move to Saudi Arabia due to impatience. The Portuguese midfielder, aged 26, further reveals that he entertained offers from Barcelona and another undisclosed European club before committing to a financially rewarding contract with Al Hilal.
Despite Arsenal’s significant expenditure, exceeding £100 million, on the acquisition of Declan Rice from West Ham, Neves conveyed his dissatisfaction with the protracted nature of negotiations with the Gunners, prompting him to explore alternative options.
“I was close to joining three different clubs, which never happened,” he said. “I got frustrated and decided to join Al Hilal. I didn’t want to mention any names, but one of the clubs was Barcelona. I was very close to joining them, same with Arsenal.